Man...the Gen V can't catch a break (Another bad video review)

[v10enomous]

Was the C7 a Z51 or just a Stingray ?

 

[SRTviper]

Doesn't make me want to sell my Viper to buy a C7. I might buy both, however. Think about it, there are far more expensive cars out there that perform worse than the Viper does, but people still desire/buy them.

No biggie.

At this point I think you are trying to do everything to desperately justify your purchase. Yes there are more expensive cars out there with worse performance but they have more refinement, are more exotic, have better service, and less compromise.

 

[SRTviper]

I just don't understand why SRT keeps sending these base cars to these tests. And with no track pack? As others have said that gives it a brake and tire disadvantage to the corvette, who's running on ultra sticky pilot super sports. I know it's still comparing apples to oranges, but most people don't read into that. This is not a good result for SRT.

Super sports and pirelli P zero don't have THAT big a difference. It is not like worlds apart say using a p zero to a super cup. The corsa competitor is the super cup not the super sport. The tire advantage is small to the corvette. The viper's power more than makes up for it. This just shows GM did an awesome job.

This is the difference between being a leader and playing catch up.

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

...wife who looks like a super model, has no idea of what to do in the kitchen.............but can make reservations.

Trackaire, I am still laughing , but I am pretty sure that statement would peg the bar on the Ralph Gilles's Halle Berry Style Meter!!

Sounds like a design success to me, ha!!!

 

[Bobpantax]

While watching the skid pad and slalom tests, I got the impression that the car did not have the correct suspension settings. Did anyone else see this? I cannot help but wonder whether this was another case of the car not being prepped properly.

 

[Stealth]

Well The Viper was clearly in another realm in terms of looks. It won that hands down in my book as easily as it dominated the acceleration test. However, you cant discount the "base" Vettes ability to out slolom and out brake the Viper with less rubber and more weight.

One can only imagine what that bodes for the Viper when the inevitable Z06 and possibly a new ZR1 drops. Gotta give credit where credit is due. Corvettes are not taking the back seat anymore to the Viper anymore. Those days are over. SRT has to step up their game big time in the future. Great first effort at a "modern" Viper with the Gen 5 but they will have to get more serious performance-wise in the near future. These reviews, however unpalatable, do form a pattern that cant be ignored by even the hardest core Viperholic as evidenced by recent threads."


"It would seem the base Vettes suspension and brake setup is a bit better sorted then the Vipers. Not sure but doesn't the Viper have the superior tire in this compare??? "If" so then the Viper losing to the Vette that's shod with a lesser tire, in compound and size, in the slalom and braking possibly speaks volumes imho.

Exactly! How can every test that I have seen be discounted with "they do not know how to drive the Viper/the Viper has the wrong tires/they were too scared"? The TA Gen V "victory" over the old ZR1 is within the testing margin of error. If the Gen V was all-there performance wise (put the Gen II looks issue aside), then the tests would not be playing out as we have seen. $70k or so to upgrade (tax and license) from a Gen IV to a Gen V just does not look like a reasonable move. Maybe we will have remarkable design changes that will change this calculation.

On the issue of lack of SRT Budget for R&D, etc., who should take the hit? The consumer will pay $xxxxxxx for the car selected. So should the consumer buy a yestertech car that is no longer a class leader or a modern car with aluminum frame, better cockpit, AWD, DCT, etc.? Perhaps disappointing sales will cause SRT to consider its next step in terms of budget, revolutionary, class-leading design, etc.?

On the suspension issue (Vette faster in slalom) this is really sad since I believe the vettes still use leaf-springs.

I am pulling for SRT and Ralph to answer back to the Viper faithful since the Viper has an excellent heritage and image.

 

[VRYALT3R3D]

0-60 in 3.7 in the Viper? Doesn't sound right.

 

[VRYALT3R3D]

Corvette is a great car for the money.....However, to me...the Viper is so much more exciting, unique , and rare....and provides a multiude of unique feelings that you just cant get from any corvette....

I agree.

But I still plan on getting the C6 Z07/whatever

 

[VRYALT3R3D]

While watching the skid pad and slalom tests, I got the impression that the car did not have the correct suspension settings. Did anyone else see this? I cannot help but wonder whether this was another case of the car not being prepped properly.

There is nothing to adjust on the SRT trim

 

[v10enomous]

To me the C7 is a great car for the money in the same way a Miata is a great car for the money... The numbers are there but the cars are short on passion and attitude. They are both cars for the masses. Is it really worth the extra money to be 1 of the 5 or 10% of the people in the front of the plane flying first class over coach ? Yes... if you can. Is a Rolex more accurate than a Seiko ? Who even needs a watch these days..

 

[BigDawg]

Doesn't make me want to sell my Viper to buy a C7. I might buy both, however. Think about it, there are far more expensive cars out there that perform worse than the Viper does, but people still desire/buy them.

No biggie.

True but that has always been the case, or at least for a LONG time. The Viper's entire platform was the best (performance) for a fraction of the cost. It wasn't until Lutz left and joined GM (Z06 was his baby) that the Viper started losing ground. The Viper was the Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini slayer.

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

I just don't understand why SRT keeps sending these base cars to these tests. And with no track pack? As others have said that gives it a brake and tire disadvantage to the corvette, who's running on ultra sticky pilot super sports. I know it's still comparing apples to oranges, but most people don't read into that. This is not a good result for SRT.

Does the Vette being compared have a track pack? Agree, not good for SRT as are the CELs and improper door fit/paint issues from other new owners posted lately.

 

[Jay M]

It's nice to know that America can build amazing sports cars that are faster than the best European and Japanese cars (when measured by lap times). The fact that the American cars cost less is just icing on the cake.

When Ralph said that the Viper ACR will be "extreme", he better have meant it, because the Z07 (or whatever the fast one will be called) Corvette will be a force to be reckoned with.

Has any production car beat the '09 ACR at the ring?
Has any production car beat the Gen V TA at Laguna Seca?
Look at the top 5 fastest laps - http://fastestlaps.com/tracks/laguna_seca.html

It's too bad they are such bad drivers cars

~Jay

 

[Solid Red 98]

At this point I think you are trying to do everything to desperately justify your purchase. Yes there are more expensive cars out there with worse performance but they have more refinement, are more exotic, have better service, and less compromise.

You must really not like this car........ I mean who makes these kind of accusations?

Super sports and pirelli P zero don't have THAT big a difference. It is not like worlds apart say using a p zero to a super cup. The corsa competitor is the super cup not the super sport. The tire advantage is small to the corvette. The viper's power more than makes up for it. This just shows GM did an awesome job.
This is the difference between being a leader and playing catch up.

Yes, the super sports and p zeros don't have a huge difference, but there is one nonetheless, and that coupled with the lighter wheels and rotors all add up to make a sizable disadvantage.

 

[VENOM V]

It's nice to know that America can build amazing sports cars that are faster than the best European and Japanese cars (when measured by lap times). The fact that the American cars cost less is just icing on the cake.

When Ralph said that the Viper ACR will be "extreme", he better have meant it, because the Z07 (or whatever the fast one will be called) Corvette will be a force to be reckoned with.

Has any production car beat the '09 ACR at the ring?
Has any production car beat the Gen V TA at Laguna Seca?
Look at the top 5 fastest laps - http://fastestlaps.com/tracks/laguna_seca.html

It's too bad they are such bad drivers cars

~Jay

LOL, yes I suffer every time I drive mine. I've tracked C6 ZR1s, Z06s and Grand Sports, and will soon track my Viper back-to-back with ZR1s, C7s and my Viper. Same day, same track. I absolutely cannot wait to do this to see for myself. Returning to Ron Fellows School at Spring Mountain Raceway in October for another class. School director says he will let me run the Viper after class each day. He wants to drive the Viper too, it'll be fun to see what he can do and what he thinks.

I will give a fair assessment of their track performance, no holds barred.

 

[Bobpantax]

I am not referring to the GTS suspension. The SRT suspension is delivered with a specific suspension "tune" developed and tested by SRT - settings. If one or more of those settings is off, it can affect performance on the slalom and the skid pad. The SRT variant, based on other tests, should have done better on the skid pad. It could have been the driver but it also could have been in part or whole due to the suspension tune being somewhat out of adjustment.

There is nothing to adjust on the SRT trim

 

[TmanViper]

Add Content

 

[stingray23]

To me the C7 is a great car for the money in the same way a Miata is a great car for the money... The numbers are there but the cars are short on passion and attitude. They are both cars for the masses. Is it really worth the extra money to be 1 of the 5 or 10% of the people in the front of the plane flying first class over coach ? Yes... if you can. Is a Rolex more accurate than a Seiko ? Who even needs a watch these days..

Some of you are delusional. You really think the Corvette team lacks passion? You really think the Z06 and ZR1 lack attitude? C'mon man. Its one thing to like what you have, but to talk nonsense.......

And all this talk about mass produced. Exclusivity. blah blah blah. If the car severely underperforms, falls apart, all while being overpriced, no wonder its exclusive. Not many want it. I've been a Viper fan since day 1, and I really, really wished SRT made a Viper to dominate like it did in the late 90's with the GTS, but to say this new gen V is a thorough disappointment is an understatement. Budget or not, that is not an excuse for what they made. They have more then enough money and resources to make an amazing car. period. This car does not need more power, it needs its chassis and suspension sorted out. I hope they can fix this mess. And no way is an ACR gonna come out with all these issues they have with the current cars.

 

[jsd512]

Viper is taking it on the chin, jesus. Ralph, stop tweeting and get to work man.

 

[TrackAire]

...wife who looks like a super model, has no idea of what to do in the kitchen.............but can make reservations.

Trackaire, I am still laughing , but I am pretty sure that statement would peg the bar on the Ralph Gilles's Halle Berry Style Meter!!

Sounds like a design success to me, ha!!!

Bill,

I hate no cars and looks are a personal thing. But I gotta tell you, I was actually a little suprised at how much I was not even remotely attracted to the C7 (except the convertible with the top up). The car has some striking pictures in print if the lighting is correct, but in real life I just didn't feel it. GM had a new Camaro Z28 at the same display and that car actually "looked" better from my point of view and I hated the new transformer Camaro look when they came out. Slight body tweaks to the front end have made a big difference. Add in the giant tires, splitter and spoiler and that car looks to be a Boss 302 eater.

Maybe the C7 will grow on me, but something in that design just does not flow IMO. I honestly stop and look at every Viper that I see, the design is just that beautiful.

I get pretty frustrated with these tests since it shows one drag race, one 60 to 0 braking, one slalom. I can't wait to see what the C7 can do after multiple laps on the track, if there are any glitches they will pop up.

Cheers,
George

 

[SRTviper]

Some of you are delusional. You really think the Corvette team lacks passion? You really think the Z06 and ZR1 lack attitude? C'mon man. Its one thing to like what you have, but to talk nonsense.......

And all this talk about mass produced. Exclusivity. blah blah blah. If the car severely underperforms, falls apart, all while being overpriced, no wonder its exclusive. Not many want it. I've been a Viper fan since day 1, and I really, really wished SRT made a Viper to dominate like it did in the late 90's with the GTS, but to say this new gen V is a thorough disappointment is an understatement. Budget or not, that is not an excuse for what they made. They have more then enough money and resources to make an amazing car. period. This car does not need more power, it needs its chassis and suspension sorted out. I hope they can fix this mess. And no way is an ACR gonna come out with all these issues they have with the current cars.

Lol exactly. It is not exclusive for the right reason

 

[Nine Ball]

At this point I think you are trying to do everything to desperately justify your purchase. Yes there are more expensive cars out there with worse performance but they have more refinement, are more exotic, have better service, and less compromise.

Let me remind you that you drive a Mustang.

Let me also remind you that I buy a lot of cars, and build a lot of cars. How about we both post up cars we've owned without Daddy's help, and compare to see who might have more automotive experience? Here, I'll start. Count how many GM cars I've owned, before you flap your gums.

www.fquick.com/NineBall

You?

 

[kratedisease]

Let me remind you that you drive a Mustang.

Let me also remind you that I buy a lot of cars, and build a lot of cars. How about we both post up cars we've owned without Daddy's help, and compare to see who might have more automotive experience? Here, I'll start. Count how many GM cars I've owned, before you flap your gums.

www.fquick.com/NineBall

You?

Welcome to OCTAGON.... in one corner Mr. two Balls and in the other Corner Mr. SRTDiaper....

Lets get it on !!!

I love it when you silly ******** brawl..... the best show in town !!

 

[Nine Ball]

I'm waiting for him to post all his Dad's cars, maybe even the ones from the middle east.

 

[v10enomous]

Nobody has a C7 yet and there is no C7 Z06 or ZR1 and everyone just assumes the they will be all things to all people and most of the Corvette guys don't even like the C7 and would buy a Viper or Lambo if they had the coin so do a delusional check in the mirror while holding up the lap record results for the Ring and Launa Seca

Some of you are delusional. You really think the Corvette team lacks passion? You really think the Z06 and ZR1 lack attitude? C'mon man. Its one thing to like what you have, but to talk nonsense.......

And all this talk about mass produced. Exclusivity. blah blah blah. If the car severely underperforms, falls apart, all while being overpriced, no wonder its exclusive. Not many want it. I've been a Viper fan since day 1, and I really, really wished SRT made a Viper to dominate like it did in the late 90's with the GTS, but to say this new gen V is a thorough disappointment is an understatement. Budget or not, that is not an excuse for what they made. They have more then enough money and resources to make an amazing car. period. This car does not need more power, it needs its chassis and suspension sorted out. I hope they can fix this mess. And no way is an ACR gonna come out with all these issues they have with the current cars.

 

[kratedisease]

I'm waiting for him to post all his Dad's cars, maybe even the ones from the middle east.

he is outside his apartment right now driving around looking for cars to take pictures of parked on the street to say that they are his...

 

[2003 Viper]

Was the C7 a Z51 or just a Stingray ?

That car was the Z51, you can tell by the twin spoke wheels. The standard vette comes with the bent looking 5 star wheels.

 

[stingray23]

Nobody has a C7 yet and there is no C7 Z06 or ZR1 and everyone just assumes the they will be all things to all people and most of the Corvette guys don't even like the C7 and would buy a Viper or Lambo if they had the coin so do a delusional check in the mirror while holding up the lap record results for the Ring and Launa Seca

NJ. nuff said

 

[BCBowers]

On the suspension issue (Vette faster in slalom) this is really sad since I believe the vettes still use leaf-springs.

What's wrong with leafs? They're very light and are mounted at the very bottom of the chassis lowering the CG. Plus, the Vette has extremely advanced magnetic shocks (now in their 3rd generation, licensed to Ferrari) and a new eLSD which makes a massive difference. The car has the goods. The Viper has traditional passive shocks and differential.

 

[09 Venom]

Just wondering...have you even driven a Gen V GTS??

, but to say this new gen V is a thorough disappointment is an understatement. .